Michigan State University Extension seeks Vegetable Specialist

Working/Functional Title

Vegetable Specialist

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE), the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), and MSU AgBioResearch (ABR), this position will conduct Extension programming and applied research to address challenges germane to the vegetable industry in southwest Michigan. The position will have regional and statewide responsibilities and will collaborate across work teams, Institutes, and community groups, working with campus faculty, specialists, and educators for overall advancement of the needs of clientele.

The position is located in Berrien County at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, Benton Harbor.  The center is located in the heart of the vegetable region in southwest Michigan. The 350-acre site has active research plots on numerous fruit and vegetable crops, with approximately 30 acres at the center dedicated to vegetable research and outreach. The center has ample room for new projects and is well equipped and staffed for vegetable research.

In this position, you will develop an applied research program that addresses high priority concerns of the regional vegetable industry. You will develop an Extension program that communicates results to growers, as well as addresses other educational programmatic topics on issues that are germane to the industry. You will identify, design, and implement both educational and research projects that address priority concerns of vegetable growers in the region and evaluate research-based educational programs that meet current and future industry needs. This can include but will not be limited to improved production methods or practices, improved understanding of emerging vegetable production systems, integrated pest management, improved financial management, as well as alternative and emerging markets. Your work will include developing an intra- and extramurally funded applied research program, completing on-farm consultations, virtual and in-person meetings, and conducting demonstrations.

Through collaboration in research, engagement with vegetable industry clients, and dissemination of research-based information through various methods, including in-person and multimedia programming and written communications, you will explore and implement programs that lead to public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that improve the viability of the vegetable industry. You will also develop, produce, and deliver vegetable outreach materials with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive and is consistent with Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute and MSU AgBioResearch messaging.

Your work will include close collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, as well as the diverse network of partner groups that include regional and state vegetable organizations and the Michigan Vegetable Council. Acting as a statewide point of contact, you will provide support for AABI and ABR in determining research and programmatic needs across the state and will communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele. 

There will be space available for this position to work from the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Berrien County, Michigan.

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, conduct, and evaluate innovative educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing people in Michigan.
• Develop and implement an intra- and extramurally funded applied research program that addresses the needs of the regional vegetable industry and communicate those results, locally, statewide, and nationally.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension, the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute and MSU AgBioResearch.
• Understand and support the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute’s and MSU AgBioResearch’s  efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class and other human differences in rural, suburban and urban communities, and where applicable, increasing programmatic delivery and participation in urban centers.
• Communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele. 
• In concert with the MSU Extension work team(s), work with federal, state and county agencies to complete needs assessment of the community and develop effective programming.
• Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension staff.
• Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the AABI, ABR, and work teams. 
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities.
• Author, produce and submit regular research-based educational materials and articles.
• Other duties or projects as assigned by the Institute Director.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Horticulture, Entomology, Plant Patholog

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Horticulture, Entomology, Plant Patholog

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or crop science, or related field must be earned by date of hire.
• Familiarity with production and management practices of commercial vegetable production.
• Background and experience in horticulture practices related to vegetable research and education.
• Experience in conducting research independently.
• Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Ability to create and carryout a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
• Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Persons with a Ph.D. from an accredited institution in a field of study related to horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or crop science with a background in vegetable production are encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge of integrated management principles.
• Three or more years of experience in horticulture practices related to vegetable research and education experience (relevant experience acquired within the last 5-years, preferred).
• Three years of experience in Extension program delivery or demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation (relevant experience acquired within the last 5-years, preferred).
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in successful contract and grant writing, including securing and managing grant funds and resources.

Required Application Materials

Current resume/CV.

Cover letter.

Four (4) professional references including two (2) current or previous supervisors.

For complete job posting and to apply visit here. 

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Website

https://youtu.be/8KBMarSqHos

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.